dental school advice

[SYDdent]

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Hello, i'm trying to get into dental school, and unfortunately was rejected this year. I'm not sure what I should do to improve my application..i have a lot of leadership and volunteer work, but my gpa is quite low (3.35)
my DAT scores PAT - 16
QR - 18
RC - 18
BIO - 21
GC - 23
OC - 22
TS - 22
AA - 20
I'm taking a couple of extra science courses this summer just to let the dental schools know that I will be prepared to take classes and study (i graduated undergrad 1 1/2 yrs ago, so being out of school that long does not look good)...these classes will barely raise my gpa if i make A's but i just wanted to be able to put it on my application.

Is it recommended to write an entirely new personal statement? And what else would help strengthen my application? Thanks so much!

 

[littlemissy]

i think you have a chance with that DAT score. I would retune your personal statement. Do well on your summer classes, apply early and apply to many schools.

 

[mg777]

I think getting a part-timeor full time(i dont know your circumstances) job doing some assisting at a dentist office would look good. Allso, consider applying to a Certified dental tech school (ie do lab work). I dont know how long that program is, but it would significantly benefit you in dental school and look great on the app.

 

[Columbia07]

Where did you apply?

 

[SYDdent]

- My science gpa is a 3.42
- I have been shadowing a dentist for almost 2 years and have been able to assist with small procedures. He will write my letter of recommendation again.
-I am a Texas resident and only applied to the 3 Texas schools. I took my DAT on November 21, 2006 and applied late September. The deadline for the applications was October 15 and deadline for the DAT was december 1, so I submitted both of those very late.
- I will apply to the Texas schools as well as out of state (AADSAS) within this month of June, so as to not make the same mistake as last year.

Knowing this, what do you think I should do?

 

[SYDdent]

Yes, i definitely think that the late application has to do with my rejection letter. I will apply by the end of June at the latest.

During the past 1 1/2 years...i haven't done too much. I've been shadowing my dentist and working a job (at a bank), which is obviously not related to the dental field. I am going to try to work and assist more with my dentist and try to be more involved with his procedures. Thanks for replying, it's a lot of help.